Canadian organisations once again rule out hydroponics as an organic method

The Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA), in partnership with the Canadian Organic Growers (COG), the Organic Federation of Canada (OFC), and the Organic Value Co-Chair Industry rep co-signed a joint letter to the Canadian Government on the issue of hydroponics on why hydroponics are not permitted in the Canada Organic Regime. This letter also addresses the concerns raised by other trade associations outlining “trade harmonization” issues on not being able to access the US market. This is due to the USDA National Organic Program permitting hydroponics as well as the Canadian Organic standards banning hydroponics.

"We stand united and unequivocally reject the allowance of hydroponics by the Canada Organic Regime (COR) for sale in Canada and for export to other trading partners. The very notion of being asked to articulate why hydroponics is banned from COR is similar to being asked why we would ban synthetic pesticides, genetically engineered seeds and have built humane treatment of animals into the organic standards."